Game Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for playing a game, comprising: a base board having a support member configured to rotate upon a support surface by manual operation; a playing board configured to fold into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on the base board; and a plurality of magnetic playing pieces movable over each of the playing surfaces and configured to be retained magnetically upon a playing surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 08 07 159.9, filed 19 Apr. 2008, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a game, in particular a game in which individual playing elements are moved around a playing surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game playing is a traditional pastime. The board game format often provides a playing surface as a visual focus for game play, with play activities relating to players or teams taking turns to progress play towards conclusion of the game. Elements for game play may be presented by a set of physical components.

Over the years, many attempts have been made to provide modified environments for playing games such as moving counters or similar devices over a plurality of surfaces, possibly displaced in three-dimensions. However, a problem exists with such attempts in that the game environment may be difficult to assemble and its modes of operation may be difficult to comprehend.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for playing a game, comprising: a base board having a support member configured to rotate upon a support surface by manual operation; a playing board configured to fold into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on said base board; and a plurality of magnetic playing pieces movable over each of said playing surfaces and configured to be retained magnetically upon a playing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional shape is a cube presenting five playing surfaces.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling apparatus for the playing of a game, comprising the steps of: configuring a base board to rotate upon a support surface by manual operation; folding a playing board into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on said base board; and moving a plurality of magnetic playing pieces over each of said playing surfaces wherein said playing pieces are magnetically retained upon a playing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows apparatus for playing a game;

FIG. 2 shows the playing board in an unfolded configuration;

FIG. 3 shows the playing board when it has been folded into a three-dimensional shape;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a game that can be played on the apparatus described in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 shows subdivision areas of the board;

FIG. 6 shows features of a side of a three-dimensional playing board;

FIG. 7 shows individual playing pieces supported upon a three-dimensional playing board;

FIG. 8 shows a net that is foldable between a first foldable configuration and a three-dimensional play configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a base for supporting the net of FIG. 8 when in the three-dimensional playing configuration;

FIG. 10 shows the underside of the base of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows the net of FIG. 8, in the three-dimensional playing configuration, located within the base of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 shows the three-dimensional playing board provided by the net of FIG. 8 being removed from the base of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIG. 1

Apparatus for playing a game is shown in FIG. 1. The elements of the game are transported in a box 101 having a lid 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 102 is removed from the box 101 in order to allow the internal components to be removed therefrom.

The components of the game include a base board 103 that is configured to rotate upon a support surface, such as a table, by manual operation. A preferred implementation of base board 103 is shown and described with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The elements also include a playing board 104 that is configured to fold into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on base board 103. Thus, in FIG. 1, playing board 104 is shown in a first folded configuration in which playing board 104 is effectively flat for storage or transportation purposes. Preferably, playing board 104 is folded out into a flat net as illustrated in FIG. 2 and then folded into a second configuration representing a three-dimensional shape as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The elements of the game also include a plurality of magnetic playing pieces 105 that are movable over each of the playing surfaces and are configured to be retained magnetically upon a playing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the game may also include dice or similar devices 106 for use when playing the game.

FIG. 2

In order to play the game, playing board 104 is removed its box and unfolded so as to present a single layer of a two-dimensional net, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this example, the net is folded to present a substantially three-dimensional cube-shaped surface. Thus, the net includes a first fold 201, a second fold 202, a third fold 203 and a fourth fold 204. Furthermore, the net may include additional devices for restraining the folded shape in its three-dimensional configuration either by securing means or by providing substantially rigid hinges at the fold positions 201 to 204.

FIG. 3

As illustrated in FIG. 3, playing board 104 has been folded so as to present a three-dimensional shape by appropriate folds being effected at first fold 201, second fold 202, third fold 203 and fourth fold 204. This in turn provides five playing surfaces with the notional sixth surface of the cube being open and applied to base board 103. Thus, in use, the folded playing board 104 remains in its allocated position upon base board 103 and additional securing devices may be provided to achieve this. During game play, all five surfaces may be made viewable to a game player by appropriate rotation of base board 103.

In this preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional shape is a cube but it should be appreciated that other shapes may be constructed from an appropriate net. Thus, in an alternative embodiment it is possible to present a pyramid shape. It should also be appreciated that non-regular solid shapes may be deployed in addition to regular solid shapes.

As previously described, the playing pieces are magnetic therefore playing board 104 includes appropriate material, such as a steel foil, in order to ensure that the playing pieces may be retained magnetically upon the playing surface while at the same time being capable of being removed and reapplied or slid over the playing surfaces.

In an embodiment the playing board includes graphical designations that may be substantially similar to those present in existing board games that are conventionally played on a two-dimensional flat board. However, it should be noted that the platform provides basis for other games and educational applications, thus, for example, each playing surface may display a theme such as a farmyard design, a street scene, a fire station scene and the magnetic playing pieces have a specific shape or ornamentation relevant to the scenes. The aim of play being for children to place a magnetic playing piece displaying a relevant shape or ornamentation in the relevant scene on the playing surface.

For the purposes of illustration only the platform will be described with respect to a new game proposal in which each playing surface includes a grid to identify areas of play and preferably the grid includes areas that force a playing piece out of play and these areas may take the form of apertures.

FIG. 4

An example of a game that can be played on apparatus as previously described in FIGS. 1 to 3 is described in FIG. 4. Playing board 104 presents a plurality of playing surfaces such as playing surface 401.

In the present example each playing surface of playing board 104 comprises a grid of subdivision areas, such as subdivision area 402. During play playing pieces, such as individual playing piece 403, are moved around the plurality of playing surfaces on the grid of subdivision areas. In the present example of a game some subdivision areas allow a playing piece to be in play and others prevent a playing piece from being in play.

In this example, an available move selecting means is provided to indicate one of a plurality of selectable numbers for indicating a number of available moves for a playing piece. In an embodiment, the available move selecting means is a die 106 although another type of apparatus may be used. Rules may determine whether all available moves must be taken in a turn and whether all available moves must be made using a single individual playing element.

FIG. 5

Subdivision areas of a playing surface of an embodiment are illustrated in FIG. 5. Subdivision areas allowing a playing piece to be in play, such as subdivision area 501, present a surface allowing playing piece to be supported upon the three-dimensional playing board 104. Subdivision areas preventing a playing piece for being in play, such as subdivision area 502, present an aperture allowing a playing piece, such as playing piece 403, to be passed through the three-dimensional playing board 104. Thus, in the present embodiment subdivision areas that prevent a playing piece from being in play may be considered to be an ‘exit point’.

According to the shown embodiment, the three-dimensional playing board 104 comprises a geometric shape providing a continuous playing surface that extends around the corners of the geometric shape. As indicated by arrow 503, during play, playing piece 403 may be passed from the external side of the geometric shape through the three-dimensional playing board 104 into an interior space within the geometric shape.

In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional playing board 104 presents five sides of a cube and each of the five sides presents a subdivision area that prevents a playing piece from being in play. Each of the five sides displays a seven by seven grid of subdivision areas with a subdivision area that prevents play being central within a side. It is to be appreciated however that the exact number, arrangement and shape of sides of the geometric shape and subdivision areas of the first and second types may vary between applications.

In this illustrated embodiment, each of the subdivision areas has a square shape. The game apparatus presents a plurality of individual playing pieces for moving around three-dimensional playing board 104 when in play. The playing pieces of the shown example have a cube shape to mirror that of playing board 104, however, the playing pieces may have an alternative shape. Preferably a plurality of playing pieces are presented for each player, with each players individual playing pieces being distinguished from other players through colouration or configuration for example. The number of players that may be accommodated during play and the number of playing pieces that may be allocated to each player may also vary between applications.

Rules for play may determine whether a player may select one or more of a plurality of individual playing pieces for use during a turn. Similarly, rules for play may determine that any playing surface presented by the three-dimensional playing board 104 may be used during a turn.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 illustrates features of a side 601 of a three-dimensional playing board. In an embodiment each of the subdivision areas allowing a playing piece to be in play indicates one of a question category, a start position, or an individual playing piece movement instruction. For example, subdivision area 602 indicates a starting position for an individual playing piece. Rules may determine whether a player may select one of a plurality of presented starting positions.

During play, each player takes turns to move one of their individual playing pieces that are available for play. The individual playing pieces may be moved in accordance with rules. In an application, rules state that individual playing pieces may be moved in one of a first direction (such as up and down) or a second normal direction (such as left and right) only. Subdivision area 603 indicates an individual playing piece movement instruction to the effect that an individual playing piece when moved within that subdivision area may thereafter move in any of the directions indicated by that instruction. Thus, an individual playing piece movement instruction may provide for a change of direction of available movement for the individual playing piece. An individual playing piece movement instruction may provide for a player to again activate the available move selecting means.

Subdivision area 604 indicates a question category. When an individual playing piece is moved within such a subdivision area, the relevant player is asked a question. In accordance with rules in an embodiment, if the player answers the question correctly, the player may continue their turn and again activate the available move selecting means. However, if the player answers the question incorrectly, that players turn is over and play passes to the next player. In this way, players take turns to progress their individual playing pieces towards a subdivision area that prevents a playing piece from being in play, such as subdivision area 605, in order to lose that individual playing piece. The players aim is to lose all of their individual playing pieces during play of the game and the winner of the game is the first player to lose all of their playing pieces.

In an embodiment, each side of the three-dimensional playing plane has an associated plurality of subdivision areas, allowing a playing piece to be in play, that indicate a question category from a plurality of question categories provided. For example, where the playing board comprises five sides, five different question categories may be presented. Thus subdivision area 604 indicates a question category A whilst subdivision area 606 indicates a second question category B. Question categories may include the subject areas of: man made, entertainment, sport and leisure, word play puzzle, and natural world. It is to be appreciated that the number and nature of question categories may vary between applications.

In a preferred embodiment each associated plurality of subdivision areas has a unique question category weighting and as such has an greater number of subdivision areas indicating that question category than the other sides. In this way, where a player has a plurality of individual playing pieces available for active play, the player can choose which one to move on the basis of a preferred question category. The player hence has the opportunity to manipulate their own play to exploit a unique question category weighting for their own benefit.

In an embodiment, rules dictate that an individual playing piece may not pass through a subdivision area that is occupied by an opponent's individual playing piece. A player may use this rule to influence subsequent play. For example, a player may seek to strategically move their individual playing pieces to accommodate subdivision areas allowing a playing piece to remain in play that are positioned around a subdivision preventing a playing piece from being in play. In this way, a player may hinder an opponent from taking the most direct path towards a subdivision area preventing a playing piece from being in play and in effect force that opponent to adopt a less efficient route.

The game apparatus may comprise a display of a set of questions and corresponding answers. For this purpose, a set of cards 607. The game apparatus may further comprise timing means 608. The timing means may take the form of a sand timer. Rules may provide that a predetermined duration is allocated for a player to give an answer to a question. This may serve to improve the flow of play.

FIG. 7

In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional playing board 104 is provided by a laminate and the individual playing pieces are physical components. As shown in FIG. 7, each individual playing piece is configured to be supported upon the three-dimensional playing board 104 by means of a magnetic attraction between the laminate and the individual playing piece. In an embodiment, the laminate comprises a cardboard substrate with a flexible iron covering. At least one portion of an individual playing piece comprises material that is magnetically attractive towards the flexible iron. It is to be understood, the three-dimensional playing board 104 can support playing pieces at a height H above a support surface 701.

FIG. 8

As shown in FIG. 8, a net may be provided that is foldable between a first folded configuration used for storage and a three-dimensional play configuration.

In this example, net 801 is foldable to provide five sides of a cube. In an embodiment, the net is reversible so as to present a first selectable three-dimensional playing board, indicated at 802, and a second selectable three-dimensional playing board on the reverse side, as indicated at 803. The first and second selectable three-dimensional playing boards may allow selection of a first or second difficulty level or a first or second theme, for example.

FIG. 9

FIG. 9 shows base board 901 for supporting net 801 when in the three-dimensional playing configuration. In this example, base board 901 comprises a first part 902 that is configured to receive a three-dimensional playing board.

It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments the three-dimensional playing configuration of the net may not be provided with means to enable the three-dimensional playing configuration to be self-supporting. Thus, first part 902 may therefore present a recess 903 configured to receive the net when in the three-dimensional playing configuration and to maintain the three-dimensional playing configuration. Surrounding the recess is an upstanding edge 904, which in this example is continuous but in other applications may comprise a plurality of discrete upstanding portions.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 shows the underside 1001 of base board 901. In this example, base board 901 comprises a second part 1002 rotatably connected to the first part 902 such that when the second part 1002 is located upon a support surface, the first part is rotatable as indicated by arrow 1003. Base board 901 may be fabricated from one or more of: wood, plastic, metal. In an embodiment, second part 102 is rotatably connected to first part 902 by means of an arrangement including ball bearings, such as may be found in a ‘lazy susan’. However, alternative arrangements allowing the first part 902 to rotate relative to the second part 1002 may be utilised. Preferably first part 902 is rotatable through 360°, to facilitate play.

FIG. 11

FIG. 11 shows net 801 located within base board 901, in play by first player 1101 and second player 1102. First player 1102 is shown contemplating their next move. Net 801 may be rotated in the directions indicated by arrow 1003, in order to facilitate viewing of all sides, and in turn subdivision areas available for receiving an individual playing piece.

FIG. 12

As previously described, as play progresses towards conclusion of the game, players lose individual playing pieces until a player no longer has any individual playing pieces available for play and may then be declared winner.

As shown in FIG. 12, the three-dimensional playing board 104 provided by net 801 may be removed from base 901, typically by lifting it upwardly as indicated by arrow 1201, to reveal individual playing pieces received inside the three-dimensional playing board 104. In an embodiment, a receptacle (not shown) is specifically provided for receiving playing pieces. A method is thus provided of indicating progression of play of a game that comprises the step of passing an individual playing piece through a three-dimensional playing board to indicate that the individual playing piece ceases to be available for play. 

1. Apparatus for playing a game, comprising: a base board having a support member configured to rotate upon a support surface by manual operation; a playing board configured to fold into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on said base board; and a plurality of magnetic playing pieces movable over each of said playing surfaces and configured to be retained magnetically upon a playing surface.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional shape of said playing board is a cube presenting five playing surfaces.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional shape of said playing board is a pyramid presenting four playing surfaces.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each playing surface of said playing board includes a grid of subdivision areas.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said grid of subdivision areas includes subdivision areas that allow a playing piece to be in play.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said grid of subdivision areas includes subdivision areas that force a playing piece to be out of play.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said subdivision areas that force a playing piece out of play comprise apertures.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said playing board includes graphical designations that are substantially similar to an existing board game as played on a flat two-dimensional board.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said playing surfaces displays a theme and each of said plurality of magnetic playing pieces has a shape or ornamentation relevant to one of said themes.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said themes represent environments familiar to children and said shapes or ornamentations represent objects familiar to children that would be present in one of said environments.
 11. A method of assembling apparatus for the playing of a game, comprising the steps of: configuring a base board to rotate upon a support surface by manual operation; folding a playing board into a three-dimensional shape so as to present a plurality of playing surfaces when mounted on said base board; and moving a plurality of magnetic playing pieces over each of said playing surfaces wherein said playing pieces are magnetically retained upon a playing surface.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said playing board is folded into a cube so as to present five playing surfaces when mounted on said base board.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said playing surfaces displays a theme and each of said plurality of magnetic playing pieces has a shape or ornamentation relevant to one of said themes.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein children are encourages to apply said magnetic playing pieces onto an appropriate surface display, wherein said themes represent environments familiar to children and said ornamentations represent objects familiar to children that would be present in one of said environments. 